Branson vs Columbia: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Branson, MO and Columbia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Branson, MO | Columbia, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $207,238 | $326,299▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $99.63 | $156.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $149,368 | $226,622▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,244 | $257,729▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $251,338 | $326,299▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $280,301 | $326,299▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Branson.
The salary gap between Branson and Columbia is $119,061 (57.45%). Columbia's median is +31.10% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Branson spans $130,933,Columbia spans $99,677. Branson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($364,833 effective) pays 57.74% more than Branson ($231,292 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Branson if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($326,299/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,299)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $364,833)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Branson grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 79.8% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Branson, MO
$179,017 (2024) → $196,994 (2025)
Columbia, MO
$172,490 (2019) → $310,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Branson, MO
Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Branson or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Branson and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Branson to Columbia as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Branson vs Columbia?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov